Library celebrates Black History Month

Individuals can see, read the many selections from African American authors

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By Bill Shrum, bshrum@stuttgartdailyleader.com

Stuttgart Daily Leader - Stuttgart, AR

By Bill Shrum, bshrum@stuttgartdailyleader.com

Posted Feb. 18, 2013 at 11:25 AM
Updated Feb 18, 2013 at 11:27 AM

By Bill Shrum, bshrum@stuttgartdailyleader.com

Posted Feb. 18, 2013 at 11:25 AM
Updated Feb 18, 2013 at 11:27 AM

STUTTGART

With February being proclaimed “Black History Month,” there are a number of celebrations, proclamations and programs being held around the nation, region, state and even here on the Grand Prairie.

For several years, the Stuttgart Public Library has participated in “Black History Month,” by having displays with books written by African American authors and concerning the life of African Americans.

“This year we have a display of famous African American authors and also books to celebrate their life and their impact on society,” Anna Bates, assistant librarian, said. “We have been doing this for a long time for the public.”

Bates said the bulletin board, which is in the children’s section of the library, is decorated with faces of notable African Americans, in the 19th century up to the 20th century.

“We have notable books by African Americans and autobiographies,” Bates said. “We also have wonderful picture books of the authors.”

One of the popular writers is from Arkansas. Maya Angelou, originally from Stamps wrote “I know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” in 1969 concerning her growing up years, Bates explained.

“She read a poem, she had written at President Bill Clinton’s Inauguration in 1993,” Bates said.

There are books of the Harlem Renaissance, a period of time which artists of all medium, created their craft in the heart of New York City.

“During this period are the writings of Langston Hughes, the music of Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway,” Bates said.

There are also books of Wynton Marsalis and Mae Johnson, along with a book of Jazz So Brave ABC/The Story of African American Literature.

“The library invites the public to fill out a library card and check out these books,” Bates said.

The Stuttgart Public Library is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays and from 1 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and 1 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 1 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays. For more information on the Black History Display and the books, contact the staff at (870) 673-1966.